4-15-14
Haven't had much to say lately, not enough to bother you with. But I have just received word from the Doc. regarding the blood deposit of a few weeks ago: "everything has improved" whatever that means. I suspect, though, as I have mentioned, they have me in remission and have others with more problems than I.
I did tell them I seem to be a bit shaky for 15-20 minutes after getting up in the morning. They said to get up 15-20 minutes later. (That is 4th century humor - did you smile?)
I have suffered from rather extreme fatigue lately, almost fell asleep during the sermon last Sunday, and it was a good sermon. Reminded me of the days Dad had that problem, so he skipped church after Sunday School to go home to prepare dinner - fortunately we drive to church so I had to wait to take Mary Ann home.
I am in the middle of a two week "on" period. I see Dr. Abonour on 4-23, after another lab report. Maybe I will know more then about where I am in the scheme of things.
I hope this date is not a bad one for you.
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
Thursday, March 13, 2014
Multiple Myeloma
3-13-14
Received a favorable report from the lab tests of my blood on Tuesday so started another routine two weeks on drugs last night. Today, useless, too tired to do anything although I did get to the SSA office this morning and have to see my dental surgeon friend this afternoon. Getting back on the drugs seems to take a bit out of me, and there are not too many bits to be taken.
I did not see Dr. Abonour during the latest off drugs period. The bad news is we don't have an opportunity to ask questions; the good news is he must believe I am doing as well as possible. Since I still enjoy getting out of bed as much as getting into bed, so be it.
I will, however, see him after this two on weeks, maybe will have something more to report. Re fatigue, I suspect he will nod and smile, and tell me to muddle along, and eat more fruit.
I am also tired of the lousy weather - a bit more Spring might help.
Received a favorable report from the lab tests of my blood on Tuesday so started another routine two weeks on drugs last night. Today, useless, too tired to do anything although I did get to the SSA office this morning and have to see my dental surgeon friend this afternoon. Getting back on the drugs seems to take a bit out of me, and there are not too many bits to be taken.
I did not see Dr. Abonour during the latest off drugs period. The bad news is we don't have an opportunity to ask questions; the good news is he must believe I am doing as well as possible. Since I still enjoy getting out of bed as much as getting into bed, so be it.
I will, however, see him after this two on weeks, maybe will have something more to report. Re fatigue, I suspect he will nod and smile, and tell me to muddle along, and eat more fruit.
I am also tired of the lousy weather - a bit more Spring might help.
Thursday, February 27, 2014
Multiple Myeloma
2-27-14
Started another two weeks off drugs yesterday. I keep hoping I will be less tired during an off week - hate to think the fatigue is all due to age.
I did receive since my last post highlights from my last lab results. Of the many tests listed, three are in the red, which is outside normal. Two of those are in the "Light Chains" section, both of which I believe are significant. But, my disease is described "in complete remission/near complete remission" which is the best choice listed, so I continue to be encouraged.
Next Monday Mary Ann and I will attend a seminar on MM conducted by Dr. Abonour. I may get a chance to ask about the "Light Chains."
I will give blood for testing sometime next week. Then, on March 12, start another two weeks on the drugs. I am not scheduled to see Dr. Abonour until April 23. That may be incorrect since it would be during another two weeks on drugs - I need to ask about that.
I continue to have feet discomfort, mainly when lying down. That my be my body saying "get with it."
I have had enough cold and snow.
Started another two weeks off drugs yesterday. I keep hoping I will be less tired during an off week - hate to think the fatigue is all due to age.
I did receive since my last post highlights from my last lab results. Of the many tests listed, three are in the red, which is outside normal. Two of those are in the "Light Chains" section, both of which I believe are significant. But, my disease is described "in complete remission/near complete remission" which is the best choice listed, so I continue to be encouraged.
Next Monday Mary Ann and I will attend a seminar on MM conducted by Dr. Abonour. I may get a chance to ask about the "Light Chains."
I will give blood for testing sometime next week. Then, on March 12, start another two weeks on the drugs. I am not scheduled to see Dr. Abonour until April 23. That may be incorrect since it would be during another two weeks on drugs - I need to ask about that.
I continue to have feet discomfort, mainly when lying down. That my be my body saying "get with it."
I have had enough cold and snow.
Thursday, February 13, 2014
Multiple Myeloma
2-13-14
Had a good, and short, visit with Dr. Abonour and staff yesterday. Not all blood test results were available when Mary Ann and I left, but Dr. Abonour said I continue to be in remission. He also said that after another two or three "two weeks on, two weeks off" regimen, I probably would be "off" for a longer period with regular but less frequent testing. All in all, very good news, and I began an "on" period last evening.
I got some smiles from him and the nurse sitting in: when I lamented that I was no longer the most famous MM sufferer i.e. Tom Brokaw; when I wondered if my fatigue was due more to age and weather than disease and treatment therefor (he suggested, and the nurse nodded, that I should keep going to Tracy for physical therapy and add some exercise on my own); when I mentioned "light headed" and mused that the pipe might often be the cause (he did not even hint that I should quit, probably thinking it would be a wasted of his words); and when I wondered if he could prescribe a trip to the Caymans.
In no way did we feel he was hurrying us along, but we got the message - he has more critical patients with whom to deal.
I may not get back here for a couple of weeks - seems foolish to keep saying all is as well as could be expected. I know cure is not in the future, but control is, and that is enough. I have had thoughts with which to enliven this blog, like, is ours the only house not warm enough in the winter and too warm in the summer without touching the thermostat, but I won't bother you readers with such non MM matters, except: I have been trying to understand quantum computers and, in connection with the Wednesday group of which I am the iconoclast, who was Jesus, and the understanding of the first is more likely to come before understanding the second.
I hope as you read this, you are as healthy as I, age adjusted.
.
Had a good, and short, visit with Dr. Abonour and staff yesterday. Not all blood test results were available when Mary Ann and I left, but Dr. Abonour said I continue to be in remission. He also said that after another two or three "two weeks on, two weeks off" regimen, I probably would be "off" for a longer period with regular but less frequent testing. All in all, very good news, and I began an "on" period last evening.
I got some smiles from him and the nurse sitting in: when I lamented that I was no longer the most famous MM sufferer i.e. Tom Brokaw; when I wondered if my fatigue was due more to age and weather than disease and treatment therefor (he suggested, and the nurse nodded, that I should keep going to Tracy for physical therapy and add some exercise on my own); when I mentioned "light headed" and mused that the pipe might often be the cause (he did not even hint that I should quit, probably thinking it would be a wasted of his words); and when I wondered if he could prescribe a trip to the Caymans.
In no way did we feel he was hurrying us along, but we got the message - he has more critical patients with whom to deal.
I may not get back here for a couple of weeks - seems foolish to keep saying all is as well as could be expected. I know cure is not in the future, but control is, and that is enough. I have had thoughts with which to enliven this blog, like, is ours the only house not warm enough in the winter and too warm in the summer without touching the thermostat, but I won't bother you readers with such non MM matters, except: I have been trying to understand quantum computers and, in connection with the Wednesday group of which I am the iconoclast, who was Jesus, and the understanding of the first is more likely to come before understanding the second.
I hope as you read this, you are as healthy as I, age adjusted.
.
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
Multiple Myeloma
1-22-14
I haven't been to this page recently, partially because nothing new to report re MM, but also because Google "improved" Blogger to the extent that I could not access this page,
I am in the middle of a "two-week on" of MM meds, the result of which is, as before, tiring (I continue to attribute fatigue to meds, not age). I will start another "on" period before I see Dr. Abonour on 2/19 when I will get an update on remission and plan for the future.
I had some flu symptoms last week, coughing, sneezing, and increasing temps. Since the temps are of concern for MM, Dr. Abonour's nurse immediately prescribed two additional pills which caused the temps to get back to normal and me to feel lousy. Fortunately, I have finished those additions.
Mary Ann had a back shot and is now into physical therapy, both of which seem to be helping.
Have I mentioned that my shirts come back from the laundry with smaller button holes?
I haven't been to this page recently, partially because nothing new to report re MM, but also because Google "improved" Blogger to the extent that I could not access this page,
I am in the middle of a "two-week on" of MM meds, the result of which is, as before, tiring (I continue to attribute fatigue to meds, not age). I will start another "on" period before I see Dr. Abonour on 2/19 when I will get an update on remission and plan for the future.
I had some flu symptoms last week, coughing, sneezing, and increasing temps. Since the temps are of concern for MM, Dr. Abonour's nurse immediately prescribed two additional pills which caused the temps to get back to normal and me to feel lousy. Fortunately, I have finished those additions.
Mary Ann had a back shot and is now into physical therapy, both of which seem to be helping.
Have I mentioned that my shirts come back from the laundry with smaller button holes?
Friday, January 10, 2014
Multiple Myeloma
1-10-14
Today is Mary Ann's birthday. I gave her a new furnace filter, which does not fit, and took her to lunch, which was good. She had a shot for back pain a day or so ago, should know soon if it helped. Kim, nephew in England, sent her eye drops not available in U.S. and they are helping - may have to go there to get more; she was most pleased he thought of helping her.
I am as last reported, whatever that is.
I just read that the first testicular guard, the Cup, was used in hockey in 1874 and the first helmet for football was used in 1974 - only took men 100 years to realize their brains were also important.
Today is Mary Ann's birthday. I gave her a new furnace filter, which does not fit, and took her to lunch, which was good. She had a shot for back pain a day or so ago, should know soon if it helped. Kim, nephew in England, sent her eye drops not available in U.S. and they are helping - may have to go there to get more; she was most pleased he thought of helping her.
I am as last reported, whatever that is.
I just read that the first testicular guard, the Cup, was used in hockey in 1874 and the first helmet for football was used in 1974 - only took men 100 years to realize their brains were also important.
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
Multiple Myeloma
1-7-14
Just realized I had not written since last year. I haven't had much to report re MM - thought about commenting on social issues and politics but decided you would not want to waste time being irritated with my views.
My feet are not causing as much discomfort, I seldom notice them except when sleeping, or trying to sleep. I believe my fatigue is lessening somewhat. I start another two week regimen next week, then see Dr. Abonour on 2-19. I expect to hear that remission continues.
To keep things interesting, I had what I think was a urinary infection a few days back. I tracked my urologist to Seattle where he was trying to vacation. He prescribed an antibiotic which apparently has helped and I will see him next week to be certain.
We have had more snow here than we can deal with, then bitter cold which tonight is supposed to ease a bit. I don't recall such a combination in the past, but that could be my ability to forget misery.
I hope your New Year is off to a great start.
Just realized I had not written since last year. I haven't had much to report re MM - thought about commenting on social issues and politics but decided you would not want to waste time being irritated with my views.
My feet are not causing as much discomfort, I seldom notice them except when sleeping, or trying to sleep. I believe my fatigue is lessening somewhat. I start another two week regimen next week, then see Dr. Abonour on 2-19. I expect to hear that remission continues.
To keep things interesting, I had what I think was a urinary infection a few days back. I tracked my urologist to Seattle where he was trying to vacation. He prescribed an antibiotic which apparently has helped and I will see him next week to be certain.
We have had more snow here than we can deal with, then bitter cold which tonight is supposed to ease a bit. I don't recall such a combination in the past, but that could be my ability to forget misery.
I hope your New Year is off to a great start.
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